Battle between good versus evil takes to Glasgow Square stage

NEW GLASGOW – Feathers will likely be ruffled when a production of “The Goose Girl” takes the Glasgow Square stage next weekend.

The New Glasgow Youth Theatre Company have been rehearsing since September for their production of “The Goose Girl” next weekend. From the left are Jessie Craig as Elsa, Rozalyn Kelly as Falada, Josh Fifield as the king and Katelyn Roy as Jorinda. AMANDA JESS – THE NEWS

The New Glasgow Youth Theatre Company has been rehearsing the children’s play since September.

“They’re a great bunch to work with,” director Amanda Jefferson-Gillis said.

This is their second production since the company formed last winter. The first was a performance of Bradley Hayward’s “I Don’t Want To Talk About It,” which looks at bullying and suicide.

“The Goose Girl” sends the actors in a different direction. It’s an adaptation of the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale by the same name.

“This one is much more lighthearted and fun,” Jefferson-Gillis said.

The six-character play, written by Tatamagouche’s Gary Blackwood, tells the story of Princess Jorinda and her engagement to King Ferdinand, whom she’s never met.

Her maid-in-waiting, Elsa, convinces her Ferdinand is ill-tempered and “an old geezer,” leading them to switch roles in what Elsa says is an attempt to save Jorinda from unhappiness.

When Jorinda discovers she’s been deceived, she is forced to decide if she should remain “the goose girl” or risk hurting the partnership between the two kingdoms.

It examines the battle between good versus evil and features magical touches, such as the talking horse Falada.

Although it’s aimed towards children, Jefferson-Gillis says the humour in the play can appeal to everyone.

Josh Fifield, who plays the king in the production, agrees. He really enjoys the play, especially the part of Elsa “because she’s so evil.”

The 16-year-old expressed an interest in film from a very young age. He has only been acting for a year, but he can already see improvement in his skills.

“Amanda [Jefferson-Gillis] taught me a lot about acting in general,” he says, adding that one thing in particular she’s helped with is his stage presence.

The group has been putting in three hours two to three times a week to prepare. Jefferson-Gillis says they’re very dedicated and mature.

She decided to start the company to try something new in the field of theatre. She’s a local actor and this allowed her to step into a different role.

She also wanted to give youth in the area a chance to become as passionate about the stage as she is.

“[I wanted to] create an opportunity to try it out and get experience on stage.”

She’s not sure what play will be next on the bill, but hopes to do another in the spring.

She says people have been very supportive, including playwright Gary Blackwood who helped with the simple set design.

Sarah Brinkhurst, also from Tatamagouche, designed the elaborate medieval-style costumes.

The shows runs for an hour and 20 minutes on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for students and children and $10 for adults.

There will also be a free preview performance at the New Glasgow library on Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.

The New Glasgow Youth Theatre Company have been rehearsing since September for their production of “The Goose Girl” next weekend. From the left are Jessie Craig as Elsa, Rozalyn Kelly as Falada, Josh Fifield as the king and Katelyn Roy as Jorinda. AMANDA JESS – THE NEWS